IT sometimes feels like everyone’s on fat loss jabs these days – from celebs like Jeremy Clarkson and Sharon Osbourne to Steve down the road.
And while they’re working wonders for some, the so-called ‘magic’ fat-melting effects don’t seem to happen for everyone.
If you’re not seeing results, it could also be down to using the pen incorrectly[/caption]
The medicine works by making people feel fuller for longer[/caption]
Some users have even taken to social media to vent their fears after the supposed “miracle” jabs appeared to stop working.
“I’ve been on the meds for about eight months and all of a sudden it just stopped working,” one user who claimed to be taking Wegovy said.
Another replied: “I’m the exact same. I lost 40 pounds and then it stayed the same, which I was fine with.
“But then it suddenly stopped working and my appetite came back — worse than before. Now I’ve gained back 20lbs (about a stone and a half). It’s awful.”
A pharmacist has suggested the issue could be down to the way people are injecting themselves with the medicines.
The drugs are part of a class known as glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and slow digestion so you stay fuller for longer.
About 1.5 million people take the jabs, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy to deal with conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
They have been rolled out on the NHS in the past year for people with a high BMI, but only if prescribed through specialist weight-management services.
They are also available on prescription from GPs, private clinics and pharmacies.
Are you jabbing correctly?
If you’re not seeing results, it could also be down to using the pen incorrectly, says Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London.
But also, another common mistake is injecting the jab in the same spot each time.
“People often default to injecting in the same spot over and over, but this can cause local irritation or even small lumps of fat under the skin (lipohypertrophy), Dr Wyllie explains.
“This can affect how well the medication is absorbed and make it less effective.”
She recommends rotating injection sites between the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm, and even picking different spots within those zones.
Ana explains how to use the pens correctly: Attach a fresh needle and turn the dial to the priming setting (usually shown with a droplet symbol or small number).
And even if you’re sure you’re jabbing correctly, there are plenty of other mistakes that could be tripping you up.
Here are the other slip-ups that could be stopping it working:
1. Don’t quit it
One big mistake some people make with skinny jabs is to stop using them too suddenly.
Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy, warns this can lead to rapid weight regain.
“There’s a tendency to ditch weight-loss treatments as soon as you reach your desired weight,” he says. “But that’s not our advice.”
A recent University of Oxford study found people typically return to their original weight within 10 months of stopping treatment, especially if lifestyle changes weren’t firmly established.
“Without the appetite suppression, hunger and cravings return quickly,” Mr Thakrar explains.
This includes healthier eating, which means cutting out junk food and alcohol while increasing protein and fibre, as well as exercising regularly.
“Building habits like these during treatment is key for sustaining results.
“Many patients see improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure,” he says.
But stopping too soon can reverse these gains if weight creeps back.
Here are the six other mistakes you could be making…
2. Drink more water!
If you’re not seeing results, you might be missing the oldest rule in the book – drinking enough water.
“Dehydration is a common, yet indirect, side effect of weight loss injections,” Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, says.
It’s something patients themselves have noticed. One Reddit user on Wegovy wrote: “I used to drink 3.5 litres of water every day, sometimes even more, but recently I’m struggling to reach even half that amount.
“I can tell how dehydrated [I am] but I still can’t get more water down.”
The drugs dull appetite, and in doing so, they can also blunt thirst signals.
Yet hydration is crucial for the body to function properly.
“Aim for two to three litres per day, sipping regularly, not just when thirsty,” Dr Wyllie explains.
“Hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches, nausea and constipation.”
And even minor side effects, such as bloating or fatigue, can derail progress.
“Drinking enough water, increasing fibre slowly, and gentle exercise can help constipation,” he adds.
“If needed, over-the-counter remedies are an option, but talk to a pharmacist if symptoms persist.”
Drinking water while on fat jabs is vital[/caption]
3. Time it right
Are you choosing the right day to take your jab?
One common mistake is expecting it to work instantly.
For example, taking it right before a takeaway, special occasion, or big night out in the hope it will stop you from overindulging.
Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and weight loss expert at Chemist4U, says: “Taking the jab right before a takeaway or party won’t automatically stop you from indulging.
“Weight loss injections need time to build up in your system.
“They don’t blunt your appetite immediately after injection.
“It usually takes a few days to start feeling a difference, and several weeks for the full effects to settle in.”
Inject your dose mid-week if you plan for a heavier weekend.
4. Eat the right foods
If the jabs are working, you shouldn’t feel the urge to overeat at mealtimes.
But skipping meals altogether can backfire, warns Dr Huang.
He explains: “If a person becomes extremely malnourished, their body goes into an emergency conservation state where their metabolism is slowed down to the extent that weight loss may plateau.
The goal is not starvation, which can have negative effects on brain, bone, muscles and long-term health
David Huang
“It also makes the weight loss very unsustainable in the long term, and there can be a bounce-back effect when patients re-feed.”
In other words, starving yourself will slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight but easier to regain once you stop using the jabs.
“The goal is not starvation, which can have negative effects on brain, bone, muscles and long-term health,” Dr Huang says.
Kirsten says up to 80 per cent of her weight-loss clients skip breakfast, thinking it will help speed up weight loss, but it instead leaves you running on empty.
“It may seem harmless, but going too long without food can cause your blood sugar to drop and that signals stress to the body,” she warns.
“In response, your system releases cortisol, your primary stress hormone, which then tells your liver to release stored sugar into your bloodstream.
“This can lead to a blood sugar spike even though you haven’t eaten, which can lead to more cravings and so more weight gain.”
Don’t starve yourself, as this could have health implications[/caption]
5. Food for thought
A key mistake with weight-loss jabs is not eating the right foods.
Since you’re eating less, it’s even more important to make sure your body is properly fuelled.
“You can’t chase weight-loss treatments with burgers and expect miracles,” warns Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy.
“Cut out sugary drinks and alcohol and focus on whole foods, lean proteins, fibre, and hydration.”
Protein, including lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu, protects muscles while fibre – found in fruit, vegetables, and nuts – keeps you fuller, stabilises blood sugar, and supports gut health.
Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Healthium Clinics, says: “Reduced protein intake can cause muscle loss rather than fat loss.
“Maintaining protein helps preserve muscle, supports metabolic health, and promotes sustainable weight loss.”
The 18 ways to keep the weight off AFTER fat jabs
WHILE fat jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy have helped millions shift the pounds, experts warn many pile the weight back on once they stop.
Here are 18 tricks from nutritionist Alison Bladh, weight-loss coach Piroska Cavell and PT Monty Simmons to stop the “bounce-back”.
1. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Mindset is everything, says Piroska. Remember you’re in control – you’ve built healthy habits, and they don’t vanish when the jabs stop.
2. DITCH DIET TALK
Forget phrases like “I’ve been bad” or “fallen off the wagon”. Piroska says focus on health and energy, not old-fashioned diet guilt.
3. PLAN FOR TRIGGERS
Know what situations spark overeating, whether it’s stress or parties. Piroska suggests prepping with healthy food first to keep cravings in check.
4. DON’T FEAR FOOD
Skipping meals backfires. Piroska says regular, balanced meals keep blood sugar steady and cravings away.
5. STOP SELF-SABOTAGE
Holidays and birthdays aren’t failure points. Piroska says enjoy them and then simply return to your normal routine.
6. KEEP A DIARY
Writing down meals and moods can keep you accountable. Piroska says it’s a powerful tool to spot patterns and prevent slips.
7. PACK IN PROTEIN
Alison says start your day with protein – eggs, yoghurt or salmon. It helps reduce hunger later and keeps you fuller for longer.
8. EAT GOOD FATS
Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil regulate appetite and make meals more satisfying, says Alison.
9. BOOST YOUR GUT
Alison recommends fibre-rich veg, beans and fermented foods like kefir or sauerkraut. They support gut health and may naturally stimulate GLP-
10. HIDE THE JUNK
Processed snacks are a danger once cravings return. Alison says keep them out of the house and stock up on healthy options.
11. PLAN AHEAD
Batch cook, prep quick meals and plan tomorrow’s food tonight. Alison says preparation stops last-minute binges.
12. SMART SNACKS
Alison suggests Greek yoghurt, boiled eggs or nuts instead of sugary snacks. They keep hunger at bay without blood sugar spikes.
13. START EXERCISING NOW
Simmons says don’t wait until you come off jabs to get moving. Build the routine early so it’s already a habit.
14. PICK UP WEIGHTS
Strength training preserves muscle and burns more calories. Monty says aim for two or three full-body sessions a week.
15. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Logging reps, runs or weights shows progress. Monty says it keeps you motivated and helps you push further.
16. STAY CONSISTENT
Life gets busy, but Monty says set non-negotiable training days. Even short sessions beat skipping altogether.
17. MIX IT UP
To stay interested long-term, Monty recommends trying new sports or cardio — from swimming to cycling or tennis.
18. LIVE LIKE A FIT PERSON
Monty says support your lifestyle with good sleep, less booze and active habits. Treats are fine, but keep your routine healthy.
6. Move it
It’s easy to see the jabs as a quick fix and let them do the heavy lifting.
“People might slow down or stop exercising altogether,” says Mr Thakrar.
“But exercise helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and boosts mood and metabolism.”
Just 30 minutes of walking a day can help the meds work better by lowering blood pressure and improving overall well-being, he says.
Exercising to preserve muscle mass can help shape your body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you are experiencing excess skin.
Exercise on the jabs to prevent muscle deterioration[/caption]
Are you eligible for fat jabs on the NHS?
TO be eligible for NHS weight loss injections, you typically need a high BMI (Body Mass Index) and a number of weight-related health conditions.
A BMI of 40 or more is usually required, or a BMI of 37.5 or more for certain ethnic groups.
For individuals from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds, a lower BMI of 37.5 or higher may be considered due to increased health risks at lower BMI levels within these groups.
Additionally, you must have at least three or four of the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Abnormal blood fats
These injections are generally provided with a structured weight management programme that includes lifestyle support.
If you’re looking to access weight loss injections on the NHS, discuss your options with your GP.
